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How big a folder is too big for you?
- Thread starter SharpieB
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2017
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- 1,254
Generally I consider over 3.5 blade length pushing it... with that said my Endura is longer than my Zaan but carries a little better due to being lighter weight. Also, anything much over 5 oz I just plain ole get tired of lugging around.
Manix 2 has been my carry lately, it doesn't make turn me on like a CRK or some CF ZT knife model, but it's been one of the best all around I've used.
Manix 2 has been my carry lately, it doesn't make turn me on like a CRK or some CF ZT knife model, but it's been one of the best all around I've used.
BD_01
Basic Member
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- Jun 9, 2016
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- 3,903
Multiple times I’ve walked into my loccal B&M with intent to buy a 0452 only to get it in hand and think “Yikes! Pocket sword.” I feel dejected each time I leave without that sexy beast. Perhaps next time will be different (but probably not).
My current folders top out around 3.75”. FWIW I positively won’t go over 6 oz either (try to stay under 5 oz) or I’d have me a sexy Spyderco Vallotton too!
The 452 is the only knife I own over 3.5 inch. I sold all 8 of my Spyderco Millies and several others during the great 4 in knife purge, but I just can’t seem to let that 452 go. It’s just so damn nice. Ridiculous, but nice. And I too have sold all knives over 5.5 ozs. Hated letting my 456 go but that thing is a brick. If only they had milled out the handles. If they did, or offered a CF version an oz lighter, I would buy one tomorrow.
JJ_Colt45
Platinum Member
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- Sep 11, 2014
- Messages
- 6,488
I'm not sure to be honest ... I can say I've found knives that were too small for me to use and therfore to small to carry ...
I doubt I'd carry anything much larger than I have in maybe my ZT 0909 or my CRK Umnumzaan ... weight doesn't matter to me I dont notice the ZT 0909 anymore than I notice my Spyderco Native 5 or a SAK Farmer ...
so I'd guess somewhere around 4.25" to 4.5" would probably be near the laregest folder I'd carry ... if I needed anymore knife than that I'd want one of my fixed blades anyway.
I doubt I'd carry anything much larger than I have in maybe my ZT 0909 or my CRK Umnumzaan ... weight doesn't matter to me I dont notice the ZT 0909 anymore than I notice my Spyderco Native 5 or a SAK Farmer ...
so I'd guess somewhere around 4.25" to 4.5" would probably be near the laregest folder I'd carry ... if I needed anymore knife than that I'd want one of my fixed blades anyway.
I quickly resold a BM 551-1 which many would not think of as a large folder. The blade is just under 3.50" and overall length just over 8 inches. But it's a bulky knife at .61" wide. Overall it was a fantastic knife, beautiful action, pretty and great blade steel but it was just too large for me. My largest folder is my ZT0609 and I suppose I could go a bit larger. I would not turn down an 8" Shirogorov 
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.- Joined
- Jun 6, 2017
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- 95
I have settled in to the 3-3.25" range for a folder beyond that I'll just go to a 6" fixed.
Over 4" usually isn't practical to carry based on closed size and weight. OTOH, I rarely ever go below 3", the Native is probably the only sub 3" knife I like... I know Spyderco (my favorite brand) have their "little big knives" and that's great for some people, but it doesn't change the fact that they're little! Things in the Dragonfly size range are a little silly to me.
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2016
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- 3,308
My favored carry size is 3.5" and up, though I've been flirting lately with a number of sub-3.5" knives. On the upper end, though, this is about as big as I get.
Definitely one of my dream/grail knives.
afishhunter
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2014
- Messages
- 14,277
For loose in the pocket carry about 4 to 4 1/4 inches closed.
(Large stockman or trapper.)
(Large stockman or trapper.)
I like to carry folders with blades from from 3.4 to 4 inches daily including the Military, the 710, and the Recon1. I prefer less than 5.5 ounces but a little heavier isn t a deal breaker. Much under 3.25 inches I generally leave at home. The Native 5 is a rare exception.
Oh yeah. Go Redbirds!!
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2008
- Messages
- 620
I did the exact same thing! I sooooooo wanted to get the 0452, but once I held it and flipped open several times, I just knew it was too large for me to carry. I know it's a slim carry knife, but there's no getting around that long blade. Pocket sword is an appropriate description for this beast. All that being said, I do want to get an 0462 very soon. Something about the curvature of the blade (and the fact that I love my 0460) keeps drawing me in.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
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- 19,385
I don't think I've handled a 0452. Next visit to the knife store and I'll see if they have one available to fondle. Doubt I would buy one. I feel the same way about pocket swords. I like knives and the big folders certainly appeal to my knife-self, but I feel stupid actually using a folder beyond 3.5" blade length in public. The Endura is big to me. As I have said before, I have slipped into the 2.75"-3.25" zone with most in the 3.0"-3.25" (Native-Delica size). Really comfortable with this size and I like the fact that manufacturers are coming out with their "mini" versions now that generally fall right into my comfort zone.
The AFCK seems to be about the largest folder I'm willing to carry on a regular basis. So, about 4" of blade and 5" of handle.
For a very long time I was insistent about having enough room on the handle for all my fingers to fit comfortably while opening the knife, and this meant larger knives. (Technically, I can fit all my fingers onto a Dragonfly's handle, but it makes opening feel cramped and awkward.) I've gotten more relaxed about this, but I still prefer knives that are no less than about 4 1/3" closed. Unless they're flippers; flippers are a whole different ball game.
For a very long time I was insistent about having enough room on the handle for all my fingers to fit comfortably while opening the knife, and this meant larger knives. (Technically, I can fit all my fingers onto a Dragonfly's handle, but it makes opening feel cramped and awkward.) I've gotten more relaxed about this, but I still prefer knives that are no less than about 4 1/3" closed. Unless they're flippers; flippers are a whole different ball game.
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- Oct 7, 2014
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- 979
I divide knives into every day carry and occasional carry and I find 3.5"-4" and 8>5" - 9.5" overall is about my limit for every day carry, Then knives like the cold steel 4max I would class as occasional carry since I have to make specific wardrobe choices to carry it you could add maybe the Spyderco k2 or Szabo to that list as well.